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For Immediate Release
December 12, 2007
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Tomlinson's Alternative Fuels Bill Approved by Senate During
Special Session
During its Special Session on Energy, the Senate today
approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would
encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels.
"Energy conservation and efficiency will help to promote
energy independence and save millions in energy costs," Tomlinson said. "By
encouraging the use of alternative and renewable fuels we can reduce our
dependence on imported oil and clean our environment."
Special Session Senate Bill 22 would make changes to the
state's Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, which is aimed at reducing air
pollution and reducing the state's dependency on foreign oil. It would
increase the reimbursement to producers of alternative fuels from 5 cents to 10
cents per gallon up to 12.5 million gallons annually.
With rising gas prices and concern for the environment,
consumers are demanding alternatives to oil," said Tomlinson. "These changes
will make the fund even more effective in helping consumers to afford
alternative fuel vehicles and other renewable energy efficient products."
Tomlinson's bill would also reduce the amount of money in
the fund that can be used for administrative expenses from 2 percent to 1
percent and expand the fund's rebate program to authorize rebates for consumers
who purchase biodiesel or other alternative fuels vehicles.
The legislation establishes a three-year matching grant
program (up to 50 % of costs and a $5,000 max) to install nitrogen tire
inflation systems.
Alternative fuels emit no particulate matter, less carbon
monoxide and fewer pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog,
than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel.
"Encouraging the use of these fuels will not only help to
clean up our environment but also make us stronger economically because we will
not have to rely on foreign oil," Tomlinson said. "During this Special Session
on Energy we are examining a number of proposals to reduce energy consumption
and transition to cleaner renewable fuels."
CONTACT:
Carol Maravic
(717) 787-6725 |
